Ahmedabad: In a significant verdict a Special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Court in Ahmedabad convicted a senior Central Excise and Service Tax officer, Kaushik Anvantrai Karelia, in a high-profile disproportionate assets case brought under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The court sentenced him to five years’ rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹63 lakh for amassing wealth far beyond his lawful income during official tenure. His wife, Pooja Karelia, was also convicted for abetment.
Background of the Kaushik Anvantrai Karelia Disproportionate Assets Case
The case traces back to September 30, 2013, when the CBI registered an FIR against Karelia, then serving as an Appraiser/Preventive Officer at the Kandla Special Economic Zone (KASEZ).
The FIR alleged that over a multi-year period, he accumulated assets disproportionate to his known sources of income — a violation directly punishable under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
During the investigation, authorities expanded the scrutiny from an initial check period of September 1, 2008 to March 31, 2013 to a longer frame from April 1, 2004 to March 20, 2013.
The probe ultimately revealed that Karelia and his spouse amassed assets totaling approximately ₹57.60 lakh, which was about 183.57% higher than the couple’s known legitimate income.
Court Ruling on Kaushik Anvantrai Karelia Disproportionate Assets Case
After analyzing extensive prosecution evidence and submissions, the CBI Court held that the case was proven beyond reasonable doubt:
- 5 years of rigorous imprisonment (RI)
- ₹63 lakh fine
Pooja Karelia (Wife)
- 1 year imprisonment
- ₹50,000 fine
Convicted for abetment, aiding her husband in managing and concealing the disproportionate wealth.
This ruling underscores the judiciary’s firm stance against public officials who misuse their position for personal enrichment, reaffirming accountability under anti-corruption law.
Who is Kaushik Anvantrai Karelia
Kaushik Anvantrai Karelia is a Central Excise and Service Tax Inspector serving under the Indian Revenue Service (Customs & Indirect Taxes) cadre, handling indirect tax administration within the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) framework.
He has been posted in key roles, including Appraiser/Preventive Officer at the Kandla Special Economic Zone (KASEZ), Gujarat, and most recently as Inspector of Central Excise and Service Tax in Bhavnagar. His career has spanned frontline enforcement and revenue roles.
